Hypnotized Read Free

around sometime. You know where to find me.”
    “Or maybe she won’t,” Evan snapped.
    This was a new side I’d never seen before. “ Evan .”
    Gabe walked away laughing, but I didn’t find the situation funny at all.
    Evan was mad. The anger was practically rolling off his body as he crossed his arms. “Why was he talking to you?”
    “Chill.” Jeez . “I met him earlier today at a Blue Mountain Coffee and he came over to say hi. His parents own the place. He was just being friendly, something you’re having a hard time with.”
    “I don’t like him.”
    I hopped off the rock and noticed Gabe left both the beers. “You don’t know him.”
    Evan groaned. “Just stay away from him. Promise me.”
    I stared hard at the star filled sky. “Yeah, okay. Whatever.”
    Headlights shone on us. I glanced over my shoulder and when the lights were off, I recognized Kristy’s car. Finally. Now maybe I could get away from Evan and his weird possessive self.
    Kristy walked up, looking as cute as ever in a black dress with a pair of brown cowboy boots. I should’ve dressed better. I had on skinny jeans and a white flowery top. I’d never been a fashonista.
    “This is a little away from things, huh?” She put an arm around me.
    “Guess that’s why they have parties.” I held up my beer.
    “Ooh, look at you. You’ve got a drink.”
    “Shut up.” I laughed.
    The three of us headed back inside. Kristy knew just where to go to get her beer. I hoped she didn’t want to go hang out with Pete as well. The way he looked at me gave me the creeps. Glancing in his direction, however, I knew we wouldn’t be going over there. The brunette chick was now straddled in his lap, and he was maneuvering his way to third base with her.
    “If I ever act like that at a party, please stop me,” I leaned close and whispered to Kristy.
    “If I ever do, don’t stop me. It’s been way to long since I made out with a guy.” She grabbed a drink, popped it open, and practically chugged it down. Then with a flirty smile, she said, “Let’s have some fun.”
    I laughed, not able to contain it. Evan had wandered off at some point, but I was sure he’d be back.
    Kristy and I found ourselves a corner. I sipped a bit of my beer, finally getting the bottle a little more than halfway gone. Nursing the drink wasn’t the best idea, but as long as I kept this in my hand, I didn’t feel like such a loser. Maybe my friends were right. It was time to quit taking the easy route. I needed to have fun.
    “Who is that hot guy? I think he’s checking you out.” Kristy poked my side.
    I followed her gaze. Gabe.
    “Go talk to him.” She pushed me.
    “I, uh, I already did.”
    Her eyes lit up. “Seriously? Well, who is he?”
    “I met him before work at a coffee shop. He stared at me the whole time. Then tonight, when he got here, he watched me like he is now.” I should feel self conscious, but I didn’t. “As I waited for you, he came and talked to me, but Evan chased him away. To be honest, he’s freaking me out a little.” Kind of, but he intrigued me so much more.
    “He can’t keep his eyes off of you.”
    She was right. Even as he spoke to the guy with him, his gaze never left me. My heart raced. I honestly didn’t know what to think. It wasn’t like I’d never dated before. I’d had a few boyfriends in high school, but nothing serious.
    “Go talk to him,” Kristy pressed.
    “Who?” Evan showed up at just the right time. Go figure.
    “No one,” I said quickly.
    “She’s being silly. That guy.” Kristy pointed. Great, now he knew we were talking about him.
    “She needs to stay away from him.” Evan put his arm around me again, only now he put a little more weight against me. If I didn’t think he’d fall, I’d have moved.
    Kristy stared at Evan’s arm a moment then asked, “Why? He’s hot.”
    “I don’t know. But my roommate says he’s trouble.”
    Of course he was. He parked his bike wherever he wanted.